Plan ahead for Laneway Festival, South Australia

Port Adelaide will be host to the national music festival, Laneway on Friday 7 February from 11am until midnight.

Approximately 12,500 music-lovers are anticipated to attend the one-day festival with artists including 1975, Charli XCX, Ruel, Tones and I, Earl Sweatshirt, Ocean Alley and more are set to perform.

South Australia Police will be highly visible and have a proactive police presence as foot and bicycle patrols, Mounted Operations, and Dog Operations units keep a watchful eye on crowd behaviour.

Laneway Festival is an event for those 16+ and police ask those attending to be aware of their surroundings and those around them.

The Officer in Charge of the Western District, Superintendent Keryl Howie said police will not tolerate antisocial behaviour.

“We ask those attending to make sensible choices, look after their friends and be mindful of their own safety,” said Superintendent Howie.

“Police will be pro-active in preventing anti-social behaviour and urge attendees not to drink excessively or behave in a manner which threatens their safety or the safety of others.

“We are asking those who are driving in the surrounding areas to exercise courtesy and patience, given the high number of vehicles and foot traffic expected in the area,” she said.

“We will be helping to ensure that you can enjoy a safe and memorable event by looking out for behavioural offences and illicit drug use.

Police will deploy drug detection dogs at the event to identify and apprehend any person attempting to smuggle in illegal substances.

“The safety and welfare of festival-goers, as well as those living or driving in the area, is the foremost priority for SA Police, said Superintendent Howie.

“You will be refused entry or evicted if you are found in possession of illegal substances and may receive an expiation, or reported or arrested for drug related offences.

“Remember that there is no way of knowing what reaction an illicit substance might cause from one person to the next, don’t gamble with your health or take the risk of a court imposed conviction.

“If you are attending the festival please do not hesitate to speak with SA Police, medical officers or event officials at the first sign of trouble.”

Police officers on foot patrol at the festival will be wearing high visibility vests – making them easy to identify should anyone need help. Those who do drive to the venue are reminded to ensure they lock their vehicle and conceal any valuables.

/Public Release. View in full here.